Matthew Knies makes RFA intentions clear for Maple Leafs: 'I want to play here'

Article content

Don’t be worried about the possibility that Matthew Knies entertains an offer sheet this summer.

The Maple Leafs winger, whose emergence as one of top young power forwards in the National Hockey League this season was crucial for Toronto, was rather unequivocal on Tuesday.

“I want to be here, I want to play here,” Knies said. “That’s all that matters to me.”

Considering the 22-year-old Knies’ potential in coming off a 29-goal, 58-point season, there’s a chance he gets an offer sheet, as rare as they are in the NHL. If Knies does sign one, it’s difficult to envision the Leafs not matching it.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Play Video

One way or another, Knies is in line for a massive raise over the $925,000 US he made this past season. Think something in the range of $7-8 million a year.

Forwards Nick Robertson and Pontus Holmberg and goalie Dennis Hildeby are among players in the organization who also are eligible for restricted free agency. Each has arbitration rights.

Beyond Mitch Marner and John Tavares, the Leafs don’t have a long list of unrestricted free agents. Among them are forwards Max Pacioretty, Steven Lorentz and Alex Steeves, defencemen Jani Hakanpaa and Dakota Mermis and goalie Matt Murray.

The 36-year-old Pacioretty spoke to media on Tuesday and addressed his future.

“This year was very difficult for me being away from my family, so I’m really excited to just get home and be with them and talk to them about what’s next in life,” Pacioretty said. “In terms of playing, that’s difficult to answer right now.”

Veteran defenceman Morgan Rielly, meanwhile, has control over his future in that he has a no-move clause. Would Rielly, the longest-serving current Leafs player, consider a move?

“Uhhhh, that’s not what I’m thinking about right now,” Rielly said.

tkoshan@postmedia.com

X: @koshtorontosun